The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.

Loading ...

Loading ...

This story appears in the {{article.article.magazine.pretty_date}} issue of {{article.article.magazine.pubName}}. Subscribe

The Most Valuable Teams In The NFL

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Danny Rose is congratulated by Harry Kane after his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City at White Hart Lane on February 28, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham Utd, and Southampton are all currently positioned with the top 8 spots in the English Premier League, with Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham Utd placed 1st, 2nd, and 6th respectively. Under the new broadcast deal, all teams are set for a windfall in broadcasting rewards at the end of this season, especially if they hold or increase their final league table position. If Leicester City remains on top of the EPL, they will receive $126m, and if the top 6 positions don’t change then Tottenham could receive $131m, and West Ham Utd will $117.6m. This prize money only adds to transfer sales, ticket sales, merchandise and marketing sales each of these clubs have enjoyed through this season of surprise and success.

What does this mean?

This translates to a watershed, with the teams mentioned being rewarded for their dogged challenges against the power of the established Big Four + 1 (Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal + Man City’s new arrival these past 5 years) who no longer seem absolute in EPL dominance. The Big Four + 1 will find it increasingly challenging to poach players from the weaker teams, outbid weaker clubs as easily, and most importantly, weaker teams stand a chance of retaining quality players and building stronger squads. The EPL competition is set to become even more entertaining. Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham Utd, and Southampton are seen as the growing threats, set to introduce a new level of unpredictability, in the EPL. And the club with the greatest ability to retain a high position in the EPL, and continually reap financial rewards to reinvest and cement its permanency, is Tottenham Hotspur.

Why?

Leicester may be 1st in the EPL but Tottenham Hotspur is a club that feels like their form isn’t a one-season wonder. They’ve had to wait due to an unfortunate recidivist habit of selling strong players which - or losing them to stronger clubs before solidifying a formidable team - has repeatedly undermined their rise. They have learned from their mistakes, with manager Pochettino insisting 'there is no price’ that will prompt Tottenham to sell their star striker, and joint 2nd EPL top-scorer with 16 goals, Harry Kane or Dele Alli. Tottenham has already built a $55.5m training ground. Spurs will be further benefiting from an internal $554.9m investment through The Northumberland Development Project, which will double the capacity of the existing stadium at White Hart Lane to seat 61,000 fans, and will include a retractable pitch that will facilitate two NFL games per year. Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger see’s Tottenham becoming a direct financial threat to his club.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives instructions during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City at White Hart Lane on February 28, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Pochettino has reformed Spurs into a stallion of multiple dimensions, no longer depending on one player, with Delle Alli, Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen, Danny Rose, Kyle Walker and Nacer Chadli all playing vital roles. Spurs currently have the most formidable defense in the EPL, with 0.78 goals conceded per game ranking them behind only PSG, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich, all more powerful and prominent European clubs. Only 3 clubs have averaged over 80% passing accuracy against Tottenham this season, due to a focus on pressing defense, combined with an up-tempo attack, and ball possession. Tottenham are a young side, with an average age of 24.6 years making them a future prospect full of potential. To achieve this potential, Spurs must retain their squad and manager while simultaneously investing in new players against the backdrop of building a new stadium which will affect availability of funds, so the ability to identify young players, buy them cheaply and develop them is beneficial.

Provided that Spurs keep their squad and manager together and continue their strategy, they’re set to benefit from broadcasting revenues which are set to increase. A young powerful squad with focus on player development, and TV money available for reinvestment or player fees, makes Spurs a verifiable threat.